Target-dependent specification of the neurotransmitter phenotype:cholinergic differentiation of sympathetic neurons is mediated in vivo by gp130 signaling

Abstract

Sympathetic neurons are generated through a succession of differentiation steps that initially lead to noradrenergic neurons innervating different peripheral target tissues. Specific targets, like sweat glands in rodent footpads, induce a change from noradrenergic to cholinergic transmitter phenotype. Here, we show that cytokines acting through the gp130 receptor are present in sweat glands. Selective elimination of the gp130 receptor in sympathetic neurons prevents the acquisition of cholinergic and peptidergic features (VAChT, ChT1, VIP) without affecting other properties of sweat gland innervation. The vast majority of cholinergic neurons in the stellate ganglion, generated postnatally, are absent in gp130-deficient mice. These results demonstrate an essential role of gp130-signaling in the target-dependent specification of the cholinergic neurotransmitter phenotype.